Looking for Daddy B. Nice's latest commentary?
Click here for the 2025 Corner.
Scroll down for 2010 YEAR IN REVIEW, OBITS, & annual listing of the YEAR'S SINGLES.
Daddy B. Nice Announces The Winners of the 2010 "Daddies": 4th Annual Best Of Southern Soul Music Awards
The winners and top contenders are posted at the end of each list of finalists.
The numbers in the lists do NOT denote rankings. Music published before 2010 was eligible if the bulk of its chitlin' circuit airplay came in 2010.
Because of its length and complexity, the List of Finalists is one of the rare features for which your Daddy B. Nice does NOT provide links.
Links to mp3's, CD's and song samples are available by going to the artist's name in either the
CD Store or the
Comprehensive Index.
A permanent listing and link in Daddy B. Nice's Comprehensive Index will eventually be made on behalf of each performer for each nomination listed. (2/21/11 Update. All Comprehensive Index links have been completed. DBN)
****************
Best Mid-Tempo Song:
1. Older Woman (Looking For A Younger Man)---Denise LaSalle
2. Meet Me Tonight---Mel Waiters
3. If They Can Beat Me Rockin'---Vick Allen
4. If She's Cheating On Me, I Don't Wanna Know---Luther Lackey
5. Turn Road---Mr. Ivy
6. We Don't Get Along 'Til We Gettin' It On---O. B. Buchana
7. Trying To Please Two---Doctor D.
8. Personal Matter---Wilson Meadows
9. I Ain't Gone Do It---Mel Waiters
10. She Threw A Monkey Wrench In My Game---Walt Luv
11. Everybody Knows---The Revelations f/ Tre' Williams
12. Knock My Boots---Larry Milton
Top Contenders: Vick Allen, Mel Waiters, Larry Milton, O. B. Buchana
Best Mid-Tempo Song: Vick Allen
"If They Can Beat Me Rockin'"
Best Club Song:
1. Get Out---Pat Cooley
2. I'm The Man For The Job---Lee "Shot" Williams
2. Brand New Man---Captain Jack Watson
4. Preacher Man---Reggie P.
5. Ride It Like A Cowboy (Zydeco Remix)---Kenne' Wayne
6. Slap It Tap It---Jim Bennett
7. The Bop---Ms. Jody
8. Let's Party---Cherone Brown
9. Everything's Going Up---Mel Waiters
10. Too Much Booty Shaking---Jonothan Burton
11. You Make Me Want To Pop A Pill---Ghetto Cowboy
12. P's & Q's---Reggie P. & Sir Charles Jones
Top Contenders: Captain Jack Watson, Mel Waiters, Reggie P., Jim Bennett
Best Club Song: Captain Jack Watson
"Brand New Man"
Best Ballad:
1. Birthday Suit---Certified Slim
2. I Didn't Wanna Wake Up---Charles Blakely
3. All Of You, All Of Me---Floyd Taylor
4. The Preacher's Wife---Luther Lackey
5. Everybody Makes Mistakes---Bigg Robb
6. Outside Man---John Cummings
7. I'd Rather Be By Myself---Sweet Angel
8. Best Time I Ever Had In My Life---Wendell B.
9. Be A Man---Pat Cooley
10. Why Did You Lie---Jabo
11. You Deserve Better--100% Cotton
12. The Crying Zone---Bigg Robb
13. You Ain't The Father Of The Child---Sir Charles Jones
14. Baby Daddy---Bobbye Johnson
Top Contenders: Charles Blakely, Sir Charles Jones, Certified Slim, Pat Cooley,
Best Ballad: Charles Blakely
"I Didn't Wanna Wake Up"
Best Song By Longtime Veteran:
1. I Ain't Gone Do It---Mel Waiters
2. Am I Mr. Right---William Bell
3. My Old Man & Mrs. Jones---Pat Brown
4. Pop That Thang---Big G.
5. Mr. Right Now---Latimore
6. Sorry (Didn't Know It Was Your Mama)---Lenny Williams
7. I've Lived It All---Carl Marshall
8. Into Something---Cicero Blake
9. Beat It Up---David Brinston
10. She Told On Herself---T. K. Soul
11. Older Woman---Denise LaSalle
12. What Do The Lonely Do---Joy
13. Blind Snake---Bobby Rush
14. Mr. Bus Driver--J. Blackfoot
15. Gotta Good Woman---Lee "Shot" Williams
Top Contenders: Carl Marshall, Denise LaSalle, Mel Waiters, Bobby Rush
Best Song by Longtime Veteran:
Carl Marshall
"I Lived It All"
Best Female Vocalist:
1. No Ordinary Pussycat---Ms. Jody
2. I'll Be Your Cheating Woman---Jill Sharp
3. Last Night Was Your Last Night---Sweet Angel
4. Be A Man---Pat Cooley
5. All About You---B. B. Queen
6. My Man (I Won't Let My Baby Down)---Lina
7. Baby Daddy---Bobbye Johnson
8. Reality Slowly Walks Us Down---LGB
9. You Won't Miss Your Water---Falisa JaNaye
10. Cheating On The Back Streets---Adrena
11. Older Woman (Looking For A Younger Man)---Denise LaSalle
12. Love That Keeps Us Holding On---Katrenia Jefferson
13. Only Time I Get Lonely---Stephanie Pickett
14. Stuttering---Karen Wolfe
Top Contenders: Lina, Denise LaSalle, Ms. Jody, Pat Cooley, Jill Sharp
Best Female Vocalist: Lina
"My Man (I Won't Let My Baby Down)"
Best Male Vocalist:
1. Mister Can I Shine Your Shoes---Luther Lackey
2. Meet Me Tonight---Mel Waiters
3. If They Can Beat Me Rockin'---Vick Allen
4. We Don't Get Along Until We Gettin' It On---O.B. Buchana
5. Birthday Suit---Certified Slim
6. Brand New Man---Captain Jack Watson
7. I've Lived It All---Carl Marshall
8. You Ain't The Father Of The Child---Sir Charles Jones
9. Same Soap---Omar Cunningham
10. Knock My Boots---Larry Milton
11. I Didn't Wanna Wake Up---Charles Blakely
12. Everybody Knows---Tre' Williams w/ The Revelations
13. Come On Let's Dance---Donnie Ray
14. Best Time I Ever Had In My Life---Wendell B.
15. Wanna Make Love---Floyd Taylor
Top Contenders: O. B. Buchana, Vick Allen, Carl Marshall, Mel Waiters
Best Male Vocalist: O. B. Buchana
"We Don't Get Along Until We Gettin' It On"
Best Debut:
1. Trying To Please Two---Doctor D.
2. My Man (I Won't Let My Baby Down)---Lina
3. Birthday Suit---Certified Slim
4. Turn Road---Mr. Ivy
5. Outside Man---John Cummings
6. Brand New Man---Captain Jack Watson
7. Cheating On The Back Street---Adrena
8. Mind Your Business---Heart 2 Heart Band
9. Ain't Going Your Way---B.B. Queen
10. I Didn't Wanna Wake Up---Charles Blakely
11. You Won't Miss Your Water---Falisa JaNaye
Top Contenders: Mr. Ivy, Lina, Doctor D., Captain Jack Watson
Best Debut: Mr. Ivy
"Turn Road"
Best Collaboration:
1. We Both Grown---Willie Clayton & Dave Hollister
2. P's & Q's---Reggie P. & Sir Charles Jones
3. Haters Gone Hate---T. K. Soul, Vick Allen, Omar Cunningham
4. No Ordinary Pussycat---Ms. Jody & J. Blackfoot
5. Good Lovin' Testimony---Carl Marshall & Rue Davis
6. Family Reunion---Bigg Robb & Shirley Murdock
7. Forever Young---Gregg A. Smith, Bobby Rush, Lucky Petersen, Carl Marshall
8. That Girl Belongs To Me---Charles Wilson & Willie Clayton
9. Reach Out---Stan Mosley, Carl Marshall, Rue Davis, Lil' Buck & Jamonte Black
Top Contenders: Ms. Jody & J. Blackfoot, Reggie P. & Sir Charles Jones, Willie Clayton & Dave Hollister
Best Collaboration:
Mrs. Jody & J. Blackfoot
"No Ordinary Pussycat"
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song:
1. I'm Going Solo---Narvel
2. You Deserve Better---100% Cotton
3. Reality Slowly Walks Us Down---LGB
4. Knock My Boots---Larry Milton
5. America Rises And Shines---Bobby Bowens
6. Cassanova (Zydeco version)---Lynn
7. Just One More Day---Randy "Wildman" Brown
8. A Girl Like Me---Sweet Angel
9. Don't Blame It On Me---The Winstons
10. Tired---Kelly Price
Top Contenders: Larry Milton, Lynn, Narvel
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song:
Larry Milton
"Knock My Boots"
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song:
1. Repo Woman---Gwen White
2. Ex-Wife Blues---Cherone Brown
3. Don't Do It---Bobby Connerly
4. Bitter With The Sweet---Kenny Neal
5. Blind Snake---Bobby Rush
6. Forever Young---Gregg A. Smith, Bobby Rush, Lucky Petersen, Carl Marshall
7. Too Many Mechanics---Cream Of The Crop Blues Band
8. Jimmy---The Real Brown Sugar
9. I'll Be Your Cheating Woman---Jill Sharp
10. Let's Party---Cherone Brown
Top Contenders: Jill Sharp, Cherone Brown, Bobby Rush
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song:
Jill Sharp
"I'll Be Your Cheatin' Woman"
Best Cover Song:
1. Older Woman (Looking For A Younger Man)---Denise LaSalle
2. Sam--- Angel Sent
3. Barbeque--- Mel Waiters
4. Cheat Receipt---Denise LaSalle
5. Return Of The Mack--- The BarKays
6. Back In The Streets Again--- Ms. Jody
7. Good Lovin' Testimony--- Carl Marshall w/ Rue Davis
Top Contenders: Denise LaSalle, Carl Marshall & Rue Davis
Best Cover Song: Denise LaSalle
"Older Woman (Looking For A Younger Man)"
Best Arranger/Producer:
1. Carl Marshall---Captain Jack Watson's "Brand New Man," Carl Marshall's "Good Lovin' Testimony," Cicero Blake's "I'm Satisfied," Gregg A. Smith's "Forever Young," Nellie "Tiger" Travis's "Do What He Didn't Do," Stan Mosley's "Reach Out," Carl Marshall's "I've Lived It All"
2. Harrison Calloway---Jill Sharp's "I'll Be Your Cheating Woman," Cherone Brown's "Let Me Hit It," Denise LaSalle's "Older Woman" (with arranger Gary Wolfe), Lee "Shot" Williams' "The First Rule Of Cheating," Earl Gaines' "Good To Me" (Horn arrangements), Wilson Meadows' "Personal Matter"
3. Robert Smith aka Bigg Robb---Bigg Robb's "Everybody Makes Mistakes," Bigg Robb's "The Crying Zone," Bigg Robb's "Family Affair," Ghetto Cowboy's "You Make Me Wanna Pop A Pill"
4. John Ward---Ms. Jody's "The Bop," David Brinston's "Beat It Up," O.B. Buchana's "We Don't Get Along Until We Gettin' It On," Earl Gaine's "I'm Throwing In The Towel"
5. Frank McKinney ---Pat Cooley's "Get Out," Bobbye Johnson's "Baby Daddy," Pat Cooley's "Be A Man"
Top Contenders: Carl Marshall, Harrison Calloway, Frank McKinney
Best Arranger/Producer: Carl Marshall
Best Songwriter:
1. Omar Cunningham---Omar Cunningham's "Same Soap," Karen Wolfe's "Stuttering," Vick Allen's "If They Can Beat Me Rockin'"
2. Robert Smith aka Bigg Robb---Bigg Robb's "Everybody Makes Mistakes," "The Crying Zone," "Family Affair"
3. Carl Marshall---Carl Marshall's "I've Lived It All," "Good Loving (Testimony)," Captain Jack Watson's "Brand New Man," Cicero Blake's "I'm Satisfied"
4. Luther Lackey---Luther Lackey's "The Preacher's Wife," "If She's Cheatin' On Me I Don't Wanna Know," "Mister Can I Shine Your Shoes"
5. Don Hearon, Aston & M. Omar---B.B. Queen's "I Ain't Your Lady," "Ain't Going Your Way," "Wobble Wiggle," "All About You"
Top Contenders: Omar Cunningham, Hearon-Ashton-Omar
Best Songwriter: Omar Cunningham
Best CD:
1. Mel Waiters---I Ain't Gone Do It
2. Carl Marshall---Love Who You Wanna Love
3. Earl Gaines---Good To Me
4. Floyd Taylor---All Of Me
5. Luther Lackey---The Preacher's Wife
6. Denise LaSalle---24 Hour Woman
7. Cicero Blake---I'm Satisfied
8. Wendell B.---In Touch With My Southern Soul
9. Sheba Potts-Wright---Best Of Sheba Potts-Wright
10. Reggie P.---The Rude Boy Of Southern Soul
Top Contenders: Mel Waiters, Luther Lackey, Denise LaSalle, Carl Marshall
Best CD: Mel Waiters
I Ain't Gone Do It (Waldoxy Records)
Bargain-Priced I Ain't Gone Do It CD
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser
1. B.B. King
2. Willie Clayton
3. T.K. Soul
4. L.J. Echols
5. Bobby Rush
Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser:
B. B. King
Congratulations!!
--Daddy B. Nice
*******************
HAVEN'T HEARD THESE RECORDS? Daddy B. Nice is always a little ahead of the curve. Call your favorite Southern Soul deejay, or if you don't have one in your area, go to Daddy B. Nice's LINKS page and surf any of the fine Southern Soul internet stations, all of which take requests.
If all else fails, go to Daddy B. Nice's Comprehensive Index, find the artists you're interested in and click the links that will take you to his or her CD's, MP3's, awards and biographical information.
*********************
***********************
SOUTHERN SOUL 2010: THE TUMULTUOUS YEAR THAT WAS
No use trying to tie a pinafore on a pig. 2010 was a year of dread and discontent in the Southern Soul community.
If Southern Soul was the baby of the blues, it was at that awkward, half-grown stage (like a teenager) trying mightily to define itself.
A scene had been created--a scene that frankly didn't exist ten years ago. The accomplishments of the decade were fairly spectacular. No one will ever be able to take that away from the music-makers of Southern Soul.
And yet, with newfound influence came a lot of fighting, backbiting and paranoia. Agendas conflicted, and each player believed fervently it was his or her way or assured doom for the music.
What was needed was some trusting, forgiving, motivating and cooperating.
All of this played out in the continued hard times of America's most stubborn economic depression since the 1930's.
As CD sales remained sluggish, artists and producers alike became more reluctant and more discerning in what projects, if any, they took on.
Concerts, increasingly with "meet-and-greets" with fans, helped pump some dollars into the pockets of performers, but concerts had to be promoted wisely. Some that didn't failed.
Southern Soul's Internet media scene absorbed some hits. At WMPR longtime deejays
Ragman and
Outlaw vacated their spots.
Chico's Radio went through more changes than a chameleon on a Madras shirt, surviving in the end.
But Chitlin' Circuit, another major site and source for Southern Soul, just disappeared. One day it was there, the next day it wasn't.
Of the industry's labels, Malaco and Ecko and Waldoxy Records survived but pulled back their production of albums. Newcomer CDS continued its run but by year's end confided it too would be scaling back.
And Wilbe, Soul 1st, Ifgam, Brittany, B&J, Milaja and other small independents for the most part simply hunkered down.
But it wasn't all gloom and doom. The Blues Is Alright tour maintained. Extravaganzas like the Jackson Music Awards and the "Jus' Blues" awards in Memphis added buzz. And new Internet sites like Get Blues Info (offering instant music video access to all the stars) and Soul Blues Report (monitoring Southern Soul news across the nation) were welcome godsends.
And new talent--
Jill Sharp,
Mr. Ivy,
Lina,
Doctor D.,
Certified Slim,
Captain Jack Watson,
Charles Blakely,
Adrena and more--swept into the vacuum left by cruising or sidelined veterans.
Above all, 2010 was the year of Mel Waiters. . .
The star finally released the bounty from his recording hiatus, rolling out his new CD and one big Southern Soul single after another--"Everything's Going Up," "I Ain't Gone Do It," "Meet Me Tonight"--topping the Southern Soul singles charts time and again.
Waiters accomplished perhaps the hardest feat in the music business: an aging artist redefining himself, giving his well-known "brand" daring tweaks to make his music sound new and relevant.
And nowhere was this magic more evident than in the title tune of his I AIN'T GONE DO IT album, in which he confessed to trying Viagra ("didn't do a thing") and begged off trying to keep up with the clubbing life.
It was also a big year for
Carl Marshall, who as
Dylan DeAnna's right-hand man and producer at CDS continued on one of the most productive tears of his or any Southern Soul man's creative life, writing, producing and generally "fathering" an incredible list of albums in addition to his own highly-praised solo CD.
It was also a big year for producer/arranger
Harrison Calloway--in demand seemingly everywhere--and for producer/performer
Bigg Robb, with two typically well-crafted CD's to his credit.
The women of Southern Soul didn't fare as well in 2010. More than anything, there was a dearth of new releases. Excepting
Denise LaSalle and
Pat Cooley, not much of note happened.
Were the musical formulas that female artists used to "package" their songs for the so-called "chitlin'-circuit" market becoming too familiar, too "yesterday"? Perhaps so.
The emergence of new stars like
Lina (from California, of all places), whose "My Man (I Won't Let My Baby Down)" had deejays on their knees in the latter months of the year, and
Jill Sharp (from the Carolinas), whose bluesy "I'll Be Your Cheatin' Woman" (produced by
Harrison Calloway, incidentally) drew similar rave reactions, was based on the fact that they sounded fresh and original.
There were many memorable lines in 2010, from
Pat Cooley's admonition to "stop feeling sorry for yourself" and "be a man" to
Jill Sharp's,
"Tried hanging with my friends
To see if I could ease the pain.
But the only thing that brings me around
Is when I see that dirty, low-down, cheating man."
There was
Charles Blakely in his tenderly-sung ballad, "I Didn't Want To Wake Up."
"We were making love,
And we looked like the number 69."
And there were the frenzied and fruitless demurrals of
Mr. Ivy's girlfriend to having intercourse in the outdoors on the "Turn Road" and
Denise LaSalle's rant on getting older and dealing with men in "Older Woman."
But the wittiest lyric--at least for Southern Soul insiders familiar with
O. B. Buchana--had to be
Luther Lackey's jaundiced lament on a wayward wife.
"If she's with
Marvin Sease,
He's a candy licker.
If she's with
Theodis,
He's standing up in it.
But I'm in trouble
If she's with my brother.
If she's with
O. B.,
He ain't playin' with it."
--Daddy B. Nice
***********************
***********************
CONTINUED FROM THE TOP TEN "BREAKING" SOUTHERN SOUL SINGLES IN THE RIGHT-HAND COLUMN. . . .
*********************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
JULY 2010
1.
"I Lived it All"----
Carl Marshall
What a rhythm section. Every time I hear this drum and bass and rhythm guitar I'm torn between kneeling and genuflecting, dancing, or following in a long line of wild critters drawn by the flute of the Pied Piper.
Fans who weren't around when "I Lived It All" was first recorded may remember the more recent
Patrick Harris songs "Right On Time" and "I Fooled You This Time," which borrowed some of their inspirational flavor and their distinctive, high-pitched synthesizer fills from Carl Marshall's classic.
"I Lived It All" is not only a reminder that grief and adversity are still the ultimate attention-getters but proof that the human character conquers and triumphs by living "to tell it."
Bargain-Priced Love Who You Wanna Love CD
2.
"I'm Throwing In The Towel" ------------
Earl Gaines
In tempo and mood this majestic ballad recalls Donnie Ray's "If I Could Do It All Over." Earl Gaines sings real, down-to-earth, blue-collar Southern Soul as few ever have. His recent passing isn't even hinted at in the easy-going, full-chested power with which he delivers the song's rueful message.
Move over and make room in your pew in Southern Soul Heaven,
Ray Charles.
Bargain-Priced Good To Me CD
3.
"Same Soap" ---------------
Omar Cunningham
Omar Cunningham is slowly becoming the headliner of Southern Soul's shining 2nd generation of stars, including
Sir Charles,
T.K. and
O.B. As a vocalist he's the equal of any of them, and his compositional skills set him apart.
"Same Soap" isn't his best to date, but it's something of a thematic departure from Omar's typical nice-guy image. As the "cheater" he has to use the "same soap" he lathers with at home. Come to think of it, "Beauty Shop" (another "cleansing" song) was at bottom about a cheater.
From the upcoming album
Worth The Wait.
4. "Time" (The MP3 Remix)--------------
Frank Mendenhall
This souped-up version of the signature song by one of Southern Soul's most beloved passed stars
continues the "retro" feel of this month's Top Ten singles. For Mendenhall fans it's a rare opportunity to hear a "fresh" tune posthumously.
Your Daddy B. Nice has no available links to any CD or EP (and no hard-copy "best-of album" exists). However,
Jerry "Boogie" Mason, who played the track on Jackson's WMPR the other day, informs me you can find the "Time" remix as "an alternate take taken from the itunes download of the best of frank mendenhall."
5.
"I Don't Mind Being There For My Man" -------------------
Special
I just heard this song for the first time, five years after it was published, and this despite being peppered with e-mails about
Special (I always thought it was the same writer) for at least two of the five. A
Bigg Robb-produced act, Special did the "Girlfriend To Girlfriend" cover of
Shirley Brown's classic that had heads wagging a few years ago.
What will turn your head about "Being There For My Man" is that it sounds like
Syleena Johnson singing "Guess What," only better. In fact, I thought it was Syleena finally striking gold in a Southern Soul way for the first time since her early hit.
Special robs "Guess What" blind, but since Syleena hasn't pursued Southern Soul anyway, that's a good thing.
From the same CD as "Girlfriend To Girlfriend."
Bargain-Priced Tired Of Being Quiet CD, MP3's
6.
"You Deserve Better"------------
100% Cotton
After years of sending your Daddy B. Nice a steady stream of execrable, morbid, one-dimensional, one chord MP3's, Terry (100%) Cotton finally wises up and gets some first-class help: a fine lead male singer and a fine female back-up singer.
Making a record the
Bigg Robb way, with an entourage of talent worthy of Cotton's great expectations, pays off in an amazing vintage-sounding soul extravaganza. Congratulations to the young artist for perseverence.
This is the kind of soul song perfect for driving in a light evening rain with the windshield wipers swishing and romance at the end of the journey. Think
Kool & The Gang's "Summer Madness." The female-sung stanza is so Southern Soul-ful it'll give you goose bumps.
What are the odds of there being two 100% Cottons? Good, evidently, in this Internet age. Not to be confused with "Tony" (100%) Cotton, another young artist with a much slicker, lighter sound.
Bargain-Priced Keepin' Southern Soul Alive CD, MP3's
7.
"Don't Blame It On Me" ------------
The Winstons
Want a hit? Get yourself a solid bass line. Kick out a melody. Keep it simple. Don't be afraid to be "pop." That's the formula this likeable beach-music ensemble from D.C. has utilized for years. "Don't Blame It On Me" also boasts a wild and funny cameo by a bitchy mate in no mood to raise a child alone.
Don't Blame It On Me EP, MP3's
8. "One Woman"------------
Certified Slim
Another solid and soulful ballad from the "Birthday Suit" man. (See DBN's #2 Single, May 2010.)
9.
"Family Reunion"------------
Bigg Robb w/
Shirley Murdock
This is a daring record for Bigg Robb, eschewing almost all the old by now familiar tricks in favor of a new, stripped-down, relatively-modest sound. The simplicity puts the emphasis on the execution and Murdock and company do not disappoint. Each listening sears the groove a little deeper into the ears' pleasure zone.
And to think your Daddy B. Nice just missed his own family reunion for the third year in a row. Not good. Sorry, Robb.
Bargain-Priced Jerri Curl Music CD, MP3's
10. "Tired"--------------
Kelly Price
Whew! I'm tired by the time she's done with this Wagnerian rant. Rant doesn't even begin to describe the tsunami-like power of both the vocal and the arrangement. It's like being sucked out a hull-breached airplane at ten thousand feet above the earth.
I'm also touched that Kelly is using
"Boogie" to promote her music, which means she's at least aware of the attention we've given her in the Southern Soul community.
Brand new--not on an album yet. But you might want to check out:
20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection CD: Kelly Price
STILL CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF. . . . . .
"The Man In The Drawer"---------
Andre' Lee
"Reach Out"------------
Stan Mosley & Friends
"Mistreated"----------
Margo Thunder
"You're The Kind Of Woman"---------
Columbus Toy
*********************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
JUNE 2010
1.
"I'm Going Solo"-------
Narvel
No one beats the bushes for that country talent like your Daddy B. Nice.
DJ Mighty Burner, who hosts an early-Saturday-morning show at Jackson's WMPR, caught my ear with this raw, energetic cut by a young performer out of Greenville, Mississippi, where muddy water runs out of the taps and (say the natives) makes everyone live longer.
"I'm going solo,
For the meanwhile.
I'm going soooo-loooooo
For the meanwhile."
Narvel, who sings the socks off of this song--who sings it like he really means it--has a 3-song CD which came out last winter--no distribution yet. A previous 2-song set is available at
CD Baby, where you'll discover Narvel's last name is Echols!
2.
"I'm The Man For The Job"-------------
Lee Shot Williams
You either love or hate that stinging rhythm guitar lick. Once you "like" it, it's all over. The vocal is one of Shot's best and wildest, and the female chorus is funny and deliciously salacious. I still don't know what half of it's about (other than sex), and I don't care. I just love the Lee "Shot" sound: both the nostalgic but caustic vocals and the bizarre but apt arrangements.
Bargain-Priced I'm The Man For The Job CD
3. "That Girl Belongs To Me"---------------------
Willie Clayton &
Charles Wilson
This notable collaboration provokes many thoughts. One is. . . Willie Clayton singing background? How can you lose? Another revelation is how much Charles Wilson's vocal tone, which on "lightish" tunes can be cloying, is enhanced by the bubbling-brook-of-soul stylings of Clayton. Both stars shine, and this song is undoubtedly headed for the top of the charts.
4. "Baby Daddy"----------------
Bobbye "Doll" Johnson
Wonderful, mid-tempo ballad in the best tradition of
Gladys Knight,
Dianna Ross & The
Supremes and
Carole King. Bobbye's previous album,
Rocking This Boat, is highly recommended, and it's good to see Bobbye coming into her own.
5. "What Do The Lonely Do When The Lights Go Out"------------
Joy
Joy finally breaks through with a song that, while not the equal of her one-of-a-kind "Cuttin' Up Sideways," is at least in the same ballpark.
6. "(At Midnight I Get Lonely) I Gotta Get Next To You"-----------
Ric E. Bluez
"I know that voice," I thought when I heard this tune out of the blue, but it wasn't somebody famous. My guess it's by an artist whose debut,
Sexy Soul (2007), was very good. His name is Ric E. Bluez.
7.
"All About You"--------
B. B. Queen
Cabaret music meets Southern Soul. A simple lead guitar intro leads into B. B. Queen's heartfelt vocal, whereupon an even more intense guitar solo closes it out. B. B. Queen should have a business card made up: Diva: Have Guitar, Will Travel.
Bargain-Priced I Can Play Da Blues CD, MP3's
8.
"Mister Can I Shine Your Shoes" ---------
Luther Lackey
Another accomplished ballad from the
The Preacher's Wife album--Luther's third top-ten single from the disc in as many months.
Bargain-Priced The Preacher's Wife CD
9,
"I Won't Be Back"--------------
Ms. Jody
Ms. Jody meets
Dionne Warwick. Interesting and catchy. And also her third top-ten showing in as many months.
Ms. Jody's In The Streets Again CD, MP3's
10. "Southern Soul Lover"---------
Black Zack
It ain't "Sho' Wasn't Me," (Black Zack's recent cover of the
Ronnie Lovejoy classic) but it's so enthusiastic it's infectious.
STILL CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF:
"I'm Stuck On Stupid"----------
Chandra Calloway
"I'm With You Baby"----------
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
"Get Out"--------------
Pat Cooley
AND. . .
"I Had A Dream"-----------
Charles Blakely
***********************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
MAY 2010
1.
"If She's Cheating On Me, I Don't Wanna Know"-------------
Luther Lackey
The lullaby-like melody and the gospel-drenched choruses have the familiar feel of a childhood nursery rhyme. The brilliant lyrics end with:
"If she's with
Marvin Sease,
He's a candy-licker.
If she's with
Theodis,
He's standing up in it.
But I'm in trouble
If she's with my brother.
If she's with
O. B.
He ain't playin' with it."
Bargain-Priced The Preacher's Wife CD, MP3's
2. "Birthday Suit"--------------
Certified Slim
An emotionally-true, mid-tempo outing in the classic understated mold of
William Bell. The carnal lyrics--
"I'd like to see you
In your birthday suit.
Nothing else but
Your high-heeled shoes."
--are delivered with a lover's reverence.
3. "Everybody Knows (It's A Small Town)"---------------------
Tre' Williams &
The Revelations
As much as I liked it, I'll admit I suspected Tre' Williams' soulful breakthrough "I Don't Wanna Know" would be a fluke by a northern band. Not only are the Revelations touring the chitlin' circuit and giving its audiences love, the band more than proves its Southern Soul mettle with this awesome follow-up reminiscent of
Gene Pitney's "A Town Without Pity."
4. "P's & Q's"----------------
Reggie P. and
Sir Charles Jones
Once you adjust--that is--once you're comfortable with the snippet of a melody, the in-your-face rhythm track and the wash-of-strings mix--you can sit back and listen to two of the most exciting vocalists in Southern Soul trading stanzas like the greats of old.
5.
"Reality Slowly Walks Us Down" -------------
LGB
One of those special debuts that makes you wonder, "Why wasn't this niche ever filled before?" LGB is a huskier-voiced
Barbara Lewis sound-alike. The odd title masks an incredible song done in the Lewis style that must be heard to be believed. At times LGB outdoes her influence.
Bargain-Priced Reality Slowly Walks Us Down CD, MP3's
6.
"Outside Man" ---------------
John Cummings
This song. I presume, is by old friend and venerable Southern Soul songwriter John Cummings, and it's good for the same reasons as the songs of songwriter-slash-performer
George Jackson or the
Floyd Hamberlin
(Will T.) version of "Mississippi Boy"--it's raw, direct and vulnerable.
Bargain-Priced Good To The Last Drop CD, MP3's
7.
"Got A Good Woman" ------------
Lee "Shot" Williams
Leeeshaaaaaad ventures into
B. B. King territory and triumphs with an authentic delivery. He sounds like he's singing through a broken bottle in a dark and twisted, sticky-countered, butts-on-the-floor dive.
Bargain-Priced I'm The Man For The Job CD, MP3's
8.
"Don't Give Up On Our Love"---------
Latimore
The romantic and dreamy atmosphere reminds me of
Clarence Carter's poignant "What Was I Supposed To Do?"
Bargain-Priced All About The Rhythm & The Blues CD
9,
"Sorry, I Didn't Know It Was Your Momma" -----------
Lenny Williams
It's not "Can't Nobody Do Me Like You," but it's hooky. And it'll have to do until Lenny breaks out the next big one.
Bargain-Priced Unfinished Business CD
10.
"You Won't Miss Your Water"-----------
Falisa JaNaye'
An impressive debut from a singer whose diminutive frame launches a big punch.
Bargain-Priced Sweet Love CD, MP3's
*********************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
APRIL 2010
1.
"Everybody Makes Mistakes" ------------
Bigg Robb
From Bigg Robb's upcoming album,
Grown Folks Gospel: Songs Of Encouragement, "Everybody Makes Mistakes" is the big man's greatest song since his cover of "Good Lovin' Will Make You Cry," and as with that tune, Robb's synthesizer-enhanced vocal on the memorable chorus makes you forget you ever cared about the human voice.
2.
"If They Can Beat Me Rockin'" --------------
Vick Allen
When I heard this on the radio, I was blown away by the surprising hootenanny style. "Beat Me Rockin'" sounds like it was written by label-mate
Omar Cunningham with a Vick Allen-style bridge. Yet another hit from last year's
Truth Be Told album. Great rhythm section.
Bargain-Priced Truth Be Told CD, MP3's
3. "No Ordinary Pussycat" by
Ms. Jody w/
J. Blackfoot
It's just the kind of Top 40-style song I wish Ms. Jody had put on her
Ms. Jody's Back In The Streets Again album. "No Ordinary Pussycat" is actually an under-played version of the "Meow" song from J. Blackfoot's
Woof Woof Meow CD in which Ms. Jody contributes 95% of the vocal.
4.
"The Preacher's Wife"---------------
Luther Lackey.
The brash, musically-sophisticated title cut from what might be the first great Southern Soul CD of 2010:
The Preacher's Wife. Luther's back, baby.
5.
"Be A Man"---------------------
Pat Cooley
Really love the acoustic, Latin-flavored sound of this record, anchored of course by the authentic Southern Soul singing of Pat Cooley, without which it would fall apart. It's a new and viable direction for Southern Soul, and it reminds me of the affecting version of "Ain't No Sunshine" by
Sir Charles Jones on his most recent album. Both songs showcase the strength of Southern Soul--its singers--against minimal backgrounds with stunning results.
Bargain-Priced Cougar CD, MP3's
6.
"All Of You, All Of Me"-------------
Floyd Taylor
What can you say about Floyd? He's as consistently dependable as the old masters like
Willie Clayton and
Marvin Sease and
Mel Waiters. On this classic slow jam he curls his voice around the lyrics with typically sensitive care. The background chorus is to die for.
Bargain-Priced All Of Me CD
Comparison-Priced All Of Me CD
7. "Mississippi Girl"------------
Wendell B.
One of the new cuts from Wendell B.'s still hard to get pair of new LP's.
8. "The Bop"-------------
Ms. Jody.
This one IS from
Ms. Jody's Back In The Streets Again. "The Bop" is a throwback--almost like a line dance from the late fifties or early sixties. And if you like your great soul divas negotiating dance tunes (as I do) it'll quickly grow on you.
9. "My Old Man & Mrs. Jones"-----------------
Pat Brown
The new and long-anticipated album by Pat Brown is due soon.
10.
"Cheating On The Back Street"----------
Adrena
Adrena has all the tools--and a better-than-average song on which to showcase them.
Cheating On The Back Street MP3
Still Can't Get Enough Of. . .
"Love Is The Reason" ------------
Sonia Moree
Sonia Moree sounds raw, like a blues-belter or a gospel singer doing a Southern Soul song, and in a rare reversal of what usually happens, it comes out sounding like Southern Soul. Its a fascinaing combination and an interesting record.
Bargain Priced A Thrill Still CD, MP3's
"Mind Your Business" --------------
Heart 2 Heart Band
A new act with an obviously-seasoned lead singer. Southern Soul all the way, although you don't often hear "live" saxaphone solos. Good for them.
Bargain Priced Mind Your Business CD, MP3's
"Sho' Wasn't Me"--------------
Black Zack
One more time for the rap-over-Ronnie Lovejoy cover. It may have been a "perfect storm" of creative collaboration, the likes of which we'll never see again: Black Zack,
Bruce Billups, and the late Fred
Bolton.
And with the Lovejoy original out of print, I find the Fred Bolton sections of this song to be the closest thing to the
Lovejoy soul that exists, including
Tyrone Davis and all the others.
***********************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
MARCH 2010
1.
"I Ain't Gone Do It"------------
Mel Waiters
Everyone's been holding their breath, waiting for Mel's next big thing. Exhale. It's a beaut', with an Omar Cunningham-like background singer (maybe Omar himself), a foxy beat and even a dash of rock guitar.
2. "I'm In Love With A Woman Other Woman Talk About"----------
Captain Jack Watson
Carl Marshall serves up this feast of a ballad showcasing an artist--Captain Jack Watson--who has perfect Southern Soul pitch and perfect Southern Soul tone.
3. "Come On Let's Dance"-------------
Donnie Ray
This uptempo tune sounds simultaneously like a slow jam. Its romanticism is so full-fledged and unapologetic it takes you back to another, more innocent, era.
4. "Am I Mr. Right"----------------
William Bell
No telling how good this new one from William Bell is. The groove is so patented-prime Bell that it may very well become as big as William's recent "New Lease On Life." Love those disco effects, too. Bell's soulfulness insures they work.
5. "Can I Get To Know You Girl"------------
Bigg Robb
This mellow tune--the best hip-hop-produced Southern Soul you're going to hear anywhere--has just enough punch to make it interesting.
6. "Get Out"--------------
Pat Cooley
One of Pat's best. The song rocks. Pat Cooley just keeps coming at us, with one single after another.
7. "I Ain't Your Lady"-----------
B. B. Queen
Her work may sound a trifle thin on first listening, but there's undeniable substance to B. B. Queen, in the way there was a substance to Jackie Neal's early efforts.
8. "Guitar Cry With Me"-----------
Unckle Eddie
Unckle Eddie shifts from humor to current events with this interesting cut.
9. "Alvaretta's Night Out"--------------
Robert Banks
Another fine song, this one uptempo, from the guy who sounds a bit like a Tex-Mex
Robert Cray.
10. "Shake Rattle & Roll"------------
Willie B.
Nice to hear from Willie B., who once held down a spot on Daddy B. Nice's Top 100 Southern Soul for "Larry Licker." This one isn't earth-moving, but he's still got that sweet, Larry-Lickin' voice.
Still Can't Get Enough Of. . .
"I Want To Come Back"-----------
Walt Love
Walt Love once made something of a name as a
Clarence Carter sound-a-like. He's moved on.
******************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .
FEBRUARY 2010
1. "Knock My Boots"------------
Larry Milton
After all the year-end hoopla of awards and listening to last year's records over and over again, I was craving something original, a fresh sound to usher in the new year. This is it. Based on the "Slow Roll It" melody, and taken to new heights by a much-deserving artist best-known for the song "Back In Love Again."
2. "Slow Roll It" (The Remix)-------------
The Love Doctor
In retrospect, the Love Doctor's career was like a brilliant comet streaking across the night-time sky. Even if it was restricted to the two masterpieces "Slow Roll It" and "Lies," the Love Doctor's contribution to contemporary Southern Soul would remain unassailable.
Speaking of "Slow Roll It," The Doctor of Love is coming to the soul of Southern Soul--Jackson, Mississippi--this month, and after all the sloppy remakes under bogus titles, this straight-ahead, sans-Sir Charles version of the classic sounds real good, real good.
3. "Chance Of A Lifetime (I'm Not Afraid)"--------------------
Katrina Jefferson
And if you can get down to Mississippi, you'll be able to see the remarkable new artist Katrina Jefferson appearing at area venues. With "Holding On"--last months' #2, scroll down--and this new ballad, she's proving herself a more formidable talent than a bevy of the most hyped new divas.
4.
"Be Careful What You Wish For" --------------------
Robert Banks
Given the recent surge in popularity of Texas-based Southern Soul, the more than capable Robert Banks (who sounds almost as good as
Dobie Gray singing "Drift Away") made a smart move in reissuing this excellent CD title cut originally published in 2004.
Bargain-Priced Be Careful What You Wish For CD, MP3's
5. "I'm Going Back To My Momma's House"-----------------
Lee Roy
More sweet stuff from the young Texan whose new album--"Should Have Called"--is reviewed this month in Daddy B. Nice's New CD Reviews. This song is a laid-back but jazzy outing with a sophisticated, about-the-town verve. Risky stuff for a first-time artist trying to prove his metier in Southern Soul, but Lee Roy's confident enough to pull it off.
6. "You Make Me Want To Pop A Pill"--------------
Ghetto Cowboy
Bigg Robb is so intimidating. Like few others in the business (
Carl Marshall,
Sir Charles Jones), he takes over any song he's associated with. He's the one that lends this great new dance song its turbo-charged rhythmic focus, but he's also the one who ruins it with that oh-so-familiar trademark funk chorus. The meat of the song is in the verses, which are a dancer's delight. Best vocal I've ever heard from Ghetto Cowboy.
7.
"Sugar Daddy Man"-----------------
Jody Sticker
Yet another moody, slow-motion piece of Southern Soul electronica from the Mr. Booty Do Right album. If you're hyped-up, you might want to take a dose of your favorite medication first. Acquiescence will quickly follow.
Bargain-Priced Mr. Booty Do Right CD, MP3's
8.
"Before A Judge" ---------------------
Archie Love
This song is performed with the full emotional and orchestral gusto of classic groups like the Temptations and Miracles.
Bargain-Priced Love Chronicles CD, MP3's
9. "Ain't Going Your Way"---------------
B. B. Queen
If
Erykah Badu steered her career back in a "(You Can Call) Tyrone"-like Southern Soul sound, she'd sound very much like this
Kattman-produced, Las Vegas-based singer.
10. "Same Thang"---------------------
Unexpected
This take-off on the middlin' Sir Charles Jones tune is as rough, fuzzy and gnarly as the original was slick, and yet it has an underlying charm and durability.
Still can't get enough of. . .
"In The Mood"-------------------
Greg P. Jones
"Let Me Whip This Thing"------------------
Joe B.
"How Sweet Is Your Candy" ---------------
Terry Wright
How Sweet Is Your Candy CD, MP3's
"I'm Unleveled" ----------------
Donnie Ray
Bargain-Priced It's BYOB CD, MMP3's
*********************
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. .
JANUARY 2010
1. "I'm Into Something"--------
Cicero Blake
2. "Holding On"----------------------
Katrina Jefferson
3.
"Harry Hippie" ----------------------
Calvin Richardson
Bargain-Priced Facts Of Life: The Soul Of Bobby Womack CD
4.
"Saving My Love"------------------
Bobbye Johnson
Bargain-Priced Rocking This Boat CD, MP3's
5. "Daddy Sweet Back"----------------------
James Smith
6. "Make Your Body Roll"--------------------
LaMorris Williams
7.
"Do What He Didn't Do"---------------------
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
Bargain-Priced I'm In Love With A Man I Can't Stand CD, MP3's
8. "Throw That Thang"--------------------
Steve Perry
9. "You Bring Out The Freak In Me"--------------
Valerie McKnight
10. "Shake What You Got----------------
Sorrento Ussery
Still can't get enough of. . .
"Lady My Whole World Is You"-----------------
Sir Charles Jones
Bargain-Priced Tribute To The Legends CD, MP3's
"The Old Man's Song"-----------------
Theodis Ealey
"Don't Make Me A Story Teller"---------------------
J. Blackfoot
Bargain-Priced Woof Woof Meow CD, MP3'S
"Jimmy" -----------------------
The Real Brown Sugar
Bargain-Priced Why Did You Walk On My Love? EP, MP3's
*********************